Epic fund-raiser Ben Smith in Alnwick for 262nd marathon

A fund-raiser who has embarked on a mammoth quest to run 401 marathons in as many days for charity is back in Northumberland, as part of the epic challenge.
Ben Smith with pupils from St Michael's C of E First School and some of the runners in the support team.Ben Smith with pupils from St Michael's C of E First School and some of the runners in the support team.
Ben Smith with pupils from St Michael's C of E First School and some of the runners in the support team.

Marathon man Ben Smith, from near Bristol, is tackling the feat in a bid to raise awareness of bullying and to collect £250,000 for two charities dedicated to tackling bullying – Stonewall and Kidscape. The 33-year-old was a former victim of bullying and even tried to take his own life after a daily barrage of physical and emotional abuse.

The epic challenge started last September and Ben will be running marathons in 309 locations. Earlier this year, he ran in Cramlington, Blyth, Morpeth, Alnwick, Belford and Berwick and today, he is back in Alnwick, currently taking on his 262nd marathon.

Ben Smith high-fives the pupilsBen Smith high-fives the pupils
Ben Smith high-fives the pupils
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This morning, he stopped at St Michael's C of E First School, on Howling Lane. Ben, who was joined by a support team of runners, including members from Alnwick Harriers, paused briefly for photos and high-fived the children as he snaked up and down the lines of youngsters in the playground.

Headteacher Gavin Johnston said: "We really admire Ben for what he is doing and wish him well today and in the future on his amazing journey."

Ben is also due to stop at Alnwick Castle today. Then, tomorrow, the super-fit fund-raiser will be in Wooler as he embarks on his 263rd marathon.

Click here for more information about the challenge.